Located at the top of Michigan's Thumb, Port Austin is a cozy, lakeshore community with scenic city parks on Wigwam Bay.
Scenic Walkway
The walkway on Port Austin's breakwater provides a beautiful view of the harbor area, Wigwam Bay, and the Port Austin Reef Light. The walkway is accessible near the parking area at Veteran's Memorial Park. Do not use the walkway during storms or when the waves on Lake Huron and Wigwam Bay are large.
Public Parks
Bird Creek Park offers a beautiful view of Wigwam Bay, Lake Huron and the Port Austin Reef Light. The park has a sandy swimming beach for splish-splashing and sunbathing in the summer. Meandering around the park is a boardwalk/path that connects to a few overlooks on Bird Creek. The park also has a playground, basketball court, small picnic shelter, and restrooms.
Near the Port Austin city limits on the east side of town,
Gallup Park offers modern recreational facilities, including tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a basketball court. The park's large pavillion near Port Austin Road is a great spot for family get-togethers.
Veteran's Waterfront Park is a very nice park on the shore of Wigwam Bay, located next to Port Austin State Dock's marina and boat launch facilities. The park has a small swimming beach, playground, volleyball court, picnic facilities, restrooms, and a veteran's memorial. Veteran's Waterfront Park's scenic walkway on the breakwater offers great views of Wigwam Bay, Port Austin Reef Light, and the marina.
M-25 Bike Route
Cyclists can enjoy a lengthy ride in Michigan's Thumb Region by using the wide, paved shoulders along M-25. The bike route goes from Unionville to Sebewaing, Caseville, Port Austin, Port Hope, Harbor Beach, Forestville, and Port Sanilac, then ending in Lexington. Through Port Austin and other communities, you will need to ride on the outer edges of the road where there no shoulder is present. The entire route is approximately 112 miles, one way. Sleeper State Park, Port Crescent Park, and several county parks are located along the bike route.
By starting in Port Austin, you can either go west toward Caseville (18 miles),
Sebewaing (38 miles) and Unionville (46 miles), or ride east to Port Hope (18 miles),
Harbor Beach (25 miles), or
Lexington (66 miles).
Views of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron can be seen in a several spots along the way, with the longest periods of waterfront views between Caseville and Port Crescent State Park. Farmland, wooded areas, and residential areas are located along the way.
Depending on the time of day and year, M-25 can be busy, but it generally has moderate traffic. You'll experience greater traffic when riding through the villages and communities than you will along the stretches between towns. Use caution and stay alert when riding on the shoulder of M-25.
Before you go, it's a good idea to check the
State of Michigan's construction database to make sure there will not be any construction on the road that can interfere with your ride.
Boating & Fishing
Port Austin State Dock is open from early May to mid-September and is located at Wigwam Bay. The facility offers day-use dockage with water, fuel, electrical service, pump-out, showers, restrooms, and laundry. The State Dock's boat launch has multiple ramps with parking for vehicles with trailers nearby. The marina has 33 transient boat slips and 16 seasonal slips. The harbormaster is on duty from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from late May to early September. For more details, call (989)738-8712. The marina is within walking distance of downtown restaurants.
Lake Huron and Wigwam Bay provide excellent walleye and perch fishing during the summer months near Port Austin.
During the winter, Wigwam Bay is a popular spot for ice fishing, with fishermen typically catching larger perch near March.
A valid fishing license is required to fish on Michigan lakes and waterways. You can get a Michigan fishing license online at the
Michigan DNR E-License web site and at bait shops and sporting goods stores.
Kayaking
Kayaks can be launched on Wigwam Bay from the west side of the beach at Veteran's Memorial Park. Wigwam Bay is a beautiful body of water connected to Lake Huron. The shoreline west of Veteran's Memorial Park offers views of rocky terrain, sandy beaches and waterfront residences.
More About Port Austin
Port Austin's downtown shopping district offers several unique shops and eateries. The town also has a couple of miniature golf courses that can challenge your putting skills. For entertainment, the Port Austin Community Players perform live theater at the Port Austin Playhouse several times a year.
For lodging, Port Austin has several small hotels and bed & breakfasts, including the majestic Garfield Inn, which is a national historic site that dates back to the 1830s.
Nine miles to the east of Port Austin on M-25, the Huron City Historic District is a step back in time. The community's buildings date back to the 1880s.
